Holidays Around the World – Disney News Today

‘Holidays Around the World’ Changing to ‘Epcot International Festival of the Holidays’

In another step toward Epcot making itself the park home to almost year-long festivals, this year will see Epcot’s “Holidays Around the World” becoming “Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.”

Beginning November 19th, fifteen Holiday Kitchens will be serving seasonal food from marketplace kiosks around World Showcase.

New this year will be a “Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree” scavenger hunt, priced at $6.99 for maps.

Starting on November 24th, the Candlelight Processional begins along with the Peace on Earth holiday edition of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

More Narrators Added to Candlelight Processional List

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Warsfan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Fornoat Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages Go On Sale, Some Narrators Announced

On the Disney Parks Blog Disney announced today that Dinner Packages for this year’s Candlelight Processional have gone on sale today. Disney also announced an initial list of narrators

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

WDW Publishes Full Entertainment Line-Up & Schedule for 2016 Holidays Around the World

All entertainment for Holidays Around the World is included with regular park admission. Park hours are extended to 9:30 PM November 25 to December 24 2016, then until 10:30 PM from December 25 to December 30 2016.

Performances take place daily from November 25 to December 30 2016 – check daily in the park for any changes to the schedule.

Reflections of Earth

With Peace on Earth Finale 9:30pm, from November 25 to December 24 2016, then 10:30pm from December 24 to December 30 2016.

American Music Machine

On Future World’s Fountain Stage, a five person a cappella group performs some of the holiday’s most beloved songs. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 6pm.

Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season

A unique blend of the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and Inspirational Music with the sounds of Jazz, R&B and Urban Music. 1:25pm, 2:25pm, 3:25pm, 4:25pm at the Fountain Stage in Future World.

Candlelight Processional

A joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. 5pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm.

Holiday Storytellers

Performances take place daily from November 25 to December 29 2016.

Canada – The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North. 12:25pm, 1:20pm, 2:15pm, 3:10pm, 4:25pm, 6pm

United Kingdom – Father Christmas

Join Father Christmas, as he rings in the season, with traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer. 1:05pm, 2pm, 2:55pm, 4:30pm, 5:40pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm

France – Père Noël

Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child. 11:20am, 11:55am, 12:30pm, 1:20pm, 2:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:25pm, 5:40pm

Morocco – Morocco Holiday Entertainment

Take a journey through seasons of holidays in Morocco, where celebrations are “the spice of life!” 12:45pm, 2pm, 2:50pm, 3:25pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 7:25pm.

Japan – Daruma

Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year! 12pm, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 6:45pm.

Italy – La Befana

Meet the kind-hearted witch who arrives on the Eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children. 1:40pm, 2:35pm, 3:30pm, 4:25pm, 5:45pm, 6:25pm, 7pm, 7:30pm.

Germany – Helga

Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker. 1:40pm, 2:40pm, 3:40pm, 4:40pm, 5:25pm, 6:35pm, 7:35pm, 8:30pm.

China – Chinese Lion Dancers

The colorful Chinese Lion Dance brings good fortune and happiness to all during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:40pm.

Norway – Sigrid and Julenissen

Enjoy the season of joy and fun with Sigrid and Julenissen, the mischievous Christmas gnome. 11:15am, 12pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:45pm, 5:45pm.

Mexico – Mariachis and Dancers

Celebrate a Feliz Navidad and join in the color and excitement of the music, dances and traditions of a Holiday Fiesta! 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm.

American Adventure – Santa and Mrs. Claus

Whisper your Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear. Even Mrs. Claus will be here! 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm.

American Adventure – Hanukkah

Discover the traditions of Hanukkah, the story of the brave Maccabees and the miracle of the burning oil lamp. 12:15pm, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4pm, 4:45pm.

American Adventure – Kwanzaa

Experience the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration of unity, creativity and pride. 12pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm.

American Adventure – Voices of Liberty

Appearing in Dickens costumes, the Voices of Liberty a cappella group presents a special seasonal repertoire of holiday favorites. 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm.

Epcot’s Holidays Around the World Will Offer Seasonal Food and Drink

Epcot’s Holidays Around the World will begin on November 25th. We will see the return of seasonal food and drink around World Showcase during the holidays at Epcot.

The seasonal items that guests will see as they visit the countries are:

Germany Pavilion

Prost! in Germany will serve artisan cheese plate or sauerbraten with red cabbage and spätzle. Drinks include alcoholic ciders, Williams Punch (hot), Caramel Kiss featuring Werther’s Caramel and glüwein (house-made hot spiced wine).

American Adventure

American Holiday Table in the American Adventure Pavilion will be serving Slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. And seared pork tenderloin with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges and a Champagne demi-glace. Drinks include Shipyard Eggnog White Porter Aged on Bourbon, Firenog (eggnog with Fireball Whisky), Great American Wine Company Red Blend and Chardonnay, hot chocolate, eggnog and Cocoa Candy Cane (hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps).

Slow-roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce

Shredded beef tamale

Alpine House

Alpine Haus between Morocco and France will offer duck confit, dumplings and roasted Brussels sprouts with a fig reduction; cheese fondue in a bread bowl with fresh steamed vegetables, and sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze. Drinks include Frozen Winter Spice Hot Chocolate featuring Twinings of London Tea (alcoholic and non-alcoholic version available) Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Vetliner White Wine and Heinrich Red Blend.

Seasonal Southern Delights

Seasonal Southern Delights near World Showcase Plaza is offering hoppin’ john (black-eyed peas, ham hocks and kale with rice and cornbread crumbles); blackened catfish with white cheddar grits with okra, tomato and onion stew, and chocolate pecan tart. Drinks include Frozen S’Mores and Central 28 beers.

Chocolate pecan tart

Sauerbraten with red cabbage and spätzle

Feast of the Three Kings

Feast of the Three Kings Feast near World Showcase Plaza pays homage to Three Kings Day, widely celebrated in Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean. Look for a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema; roasted pork with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas, and Three Kings Bread. Drinks will include a Coquito (coconut milk) and Coquito with rum floater.

Three Kings Bread

Around Epcot

Hot and cold drinks will be offered all around World Showcase, as well as holidays sweets such as the Mickey Santa Hat cupcake at Fountain View restaurant, chocolate honey baklava in Morocco, panettone (Italian Christmas cake) in Italy, gingerbread ice cream and buche de Noel au chocolat (Christmas cake shaped like a log) in France, pai cha (Beijing-style fried dough twist with sesame) in China and guava tamales in Mexico.

You can sample the seasonal tastes through December 30 2016.

2015 Holidays Around the World Entertainment Schedule Released

Walt Disney World has released the full line-up and schedule of the 2015 Holidays Around the World at Epcot entertainment.

All entertainment is included with regular park admission, park hours are extended to 9:30 PM November 27th to December 18th, then 10:30pm from December 19th to December 30th.

Performances take place daily from November 27th to December 30th. Please check daily in the park for any changes to the schedule.

Reflections of Earth

With Peace on Earth Finale 9:30 PM, from November 27th to December 18th, then 10:30 PM from December 19th to December 30th.

American Music Machine

On Future World’s Fountain Stage, a five person a cappella group performs some of the holiday’s most beloved songs. 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM.

Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season

A unique blend of the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and Inspirational Music with the sounds of Jazz, R&B and Urban Music. 1:25 PM, 2:25 PM, 3:25 PM, 4:25 PM at the Fountain Stage in Future World.

Candlelight Processional

A joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. 5 PM, 6:45 PM, 8:15 PM